LAKEPORT – Officials at Lake County Fair have just announced that admission to the fair will be free for the first hour on Friday, Sept. 4.

The Lake County Fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport.

The 2009 fair dates are Thursday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 6.

The Fair theme for 2009 is "Fun in the Sun!"

The free admission promotion begins when gates open on Sept. 4 at 4 p.m., and runs until 5 p.m. Regular admission prices will apply beginning at 5 p.m.

Regular admission prices for the 2009 Lake County Fair are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 11.

Children under 6 years old are admitted free everyday. Children through age 11 are admitted for $2 on Thursday, Sept. 3 only, for "Kids' Day."

Seniors will be admitted on Sunday, Sept. 6, for $4. Admission prices are unchanged since 2007.

 

“We recognize that economic times are tough, and because of that some families might not have included the Fair in their Labor Day weekend plans this year,” said fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons.

“Even though admission prices haven't gone up in several years, we're hoping that some people who might not have traveled from the more distant parts of the Lake County will take advantage of this promotion,” Persons said. “The Lake County Fair is a great way to kick off a great weekend in Lake County, and this promotion allows families to get onto the fairgrounds for free to enjoy Friday evening and start off the weekend right.”

The traditional Demolition Derby is the grandstand entertainment on Friday evening. Other grandstand events at the fair include the Lake County Invitational Sheep Dog Trials on Thursday evening, Mud Bog Races on Saturday evening, and the California State Finals of the WGAS Motorsports Tuff Truck and Buggy Races on Sunday evening.

All grandstand shows start at 7:30 pm, and are sponsored by Robinson Rancheria Bingo and Casino. Local participants are also encouraged in the mud bog races and the tuff truck races, and entry forms are available at the fairgrounds office.

Stage acts on Friday include the LC Diamonds on the Theatre Main Stage, and the Bottle Rock Blues and Rhythm Band on the Enhance H2O Stage.

 

Strolling acts at the fair will include Chaz Marquette, the 22-foot unicycle guy; Mickey the Clown; Ken Garr, the Street Corner Magician; and Cotton Andrade, the Balloon Animal Man.

 

The carnival at Lake County Fair offers a Pay-One-Price promotion each day of the event, with unlimited ride wristbands selling for $25 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on site. The wristbands are $22 on Thursday for Kids' Day.

A variety of presale admission and carnival tickets are available at locations throughout Lake County until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2. For a list of presale ticket locations, check out the fair's Web site at www.lakecountyfair.com .

Lake County Fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events, and is enjoyed by more than 37,000 people each year. The Fair features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival, and livestock shows.